Tee Off at New Heights | Gulmarg Golf Course undergoes international upgrades to offer enriching experience

Gulmarg, June 6: The Department of Tourism is set to elevate the Gulmarg Golf Course to international standards, transforming it into a prime attraction for tourists and delegates alike.

Renowned for its breathtaking views and lush greens, the 18-hole course is the world’s second-highest green golf course, situated at an elevation of 8690 feet.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Executive Officer of the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), Waseem Raja said that efforts were underway to restore the pristine glory of the Gulmarg Gold Course.

“Our entire team is working diligently to refurbish the Gulmarg Golf Course. We aim to host a major golf tournament within the next month or two,” Raja said. “The renovated course is already drawing more tourists daily, adding a new dimension to tourist resort Gulmarg's appeal.”

The CEO Gulmarg said that in addition to the golf course, a state-of-the-art convention centre was under construction at Gulmarg.

He said that the convention centre was being constructed with the funding of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

“Once the convention centre is ready, several corporate officials will visit the centre and the golf course will provide them with a wonderful experience,” Raja said. “This convention centre, with a capacity to host 300 delegates, is expected to be completed within three months.”

He said that the combination of the convention centre and the revamped golf course would provide an unparalleled experience to the visitors.

“Our goal is to elevate the golf course to international standards, ensuring national and international delegates enjoy a superb golfing experience,” the CEO Gulmarg said.

Over the past two months, significant efforts have been made in the maintenance and acquisition of the latest equipment to meet high standards.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa congratulated the GDA for their efforts and acknowledged the challenges posed by Gulmarg’s weather conditions.

“Despite limited operational period due to snow and wet conditions, we are committed to reviving the heritage of this golf course. Hosting various competitions will further enhance its prominence,” Sherpa said.

The Gulmarg Golf Course boasts a rich history, dating back to 1890 when Colonel Neville Chamberlain built a 6-hole course in a meadow.

The course has evolved significantly since, with major redesigns by Peter Thomson in 1970 and Ranjit Nanda in 2011.

The course’s natural links-style design offers a unique and challenging experience, complemented by its transformation into a winter sports centre for skiing and snowboarding from December to March.

The tourist resort Gulmarg, is the main attraction for tourists visiting Kashmir.

Last year, around 16.5 lakh tourists visited Gulmarg.

The resort has Asia’s largest and highest cable car project which attracts tourists from around the country.

“The renovated Gulmarg Golf Course will be another attraction for the tourists. The fresh initiative of the Department of Tourism will further attract tourists which in turn will flourish the tourism industry,” said Ashiq Hussain, a tourist guide at Gulmarg.